undercurrent
noun
un·der·cur·rent
ˈən-dər-ˌkər-ənt 
-ˌkə-rənt
1
: a current below the upper currents or surface
2
: a hidden opinion, feeling, or tendency often contrary to the one publicly shown
undercurrent
adjective
Examples of undercurrent in a Sentence
You could be pulled under water by the dangerous undercurrents.
Recent Examples on the Web
Pair that problem with the Giants’ lack of starting pitchers and the youth of some of the team’s top performers as of late, and there’s an undercurrent of precariousness to the entire San Francisco operation at the moment.
—
Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 28 May 2024
The stellar star-turns should make an initial difference – Hilty and Simard are genuinely phenomenal here – and continued sharpening of the emotional undercurrents could make a more lasting impression as long as the camp appeal doesn’t collapse from too much caring.
—Steven Oxman, Variety, 20 May 2024
This was just a typical month in American public life, where a steady undercurrent of violence and physical risk has become a new normal.
—Eileen Sullivan, New York Times, 19 May 2024
There is a spiritual undercurrent to Blade’s music and an emotional intensity in even its softest moments.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for undercurrent 
Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 28 May 2024
The stellar star-turns should make an initial difference – Hilty and Simard are genuinely phenomenal here – and continued sharpening of the emotional undercurrents could make a more lasting impression as long as the camp appeal doesn’t collapse from too much caring.
—Steven Oxman, Variety, 20 May 2024
This was just a typical month in American public life, where a steady undercurrent of violence and physical risk has become a new normal.
—Eileen Sullivan, New York Times, 19 May 2024
There is a spiritual undercurrent to Blade’s music and an emotional intensity in even its softest moments.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for undercurrent
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'undercurrent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near undercurrent
Cite this Entry
“Undercurrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undercurrent. Accessed 14 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
undercurrent
noun
un·der·cur·rent
-ˌkər-ənt
-ˌkə-rənt
1
: a current below the upper currents or surface
undercurrents of water
2
: a hidden current of opinion or feeling often different from the one openly shown
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